US to blockade Strait of Hormuz, intercept ships paying Iran tolls reportedly

US President Threatens Naval Blockade of Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has announced that the US will impose a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The move comes after peace talks between the US and Iran failed to yield an agreement.

The Strait of Hormuz is currently blocked by Iran, which has been conducting military exercises in the region. Trump’s announcement suggests that the US will intercept any ships that pay tolls to Iran, a practice that has been criticized as extortionate.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to join the blockade, stating that it would be “unwise” and “counterproductive”. The move has also sparked concerns among other countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The US Navy has already been conducting naval operations in the region, including escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade is expected to further escalate tensions between the US and Iran.

Details of the blockade are still unclear, but it is believed that the US will impose strict controls on any ships that pass through the strait. The move has been met with skepticism by many in the international community, who fear that it could lead to increased tensions and conflict in the region.

The situation remains fluid, with developments unfolding rapidly.

Source: Google News World